Do Oshawa’s beaches have what it takes?

Councillor Amy England will be bringing forward a motion to have the city pursue Blue Flag designation for its beaches.

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

One city councillor is looking to have Oshawa’s beaches internationally recognized, but do the city’s patches of lakefront bliss have what it takes?

Councillor Amy England is looking to have Oshawa pursue Blue Flag designation for its beaches. The designation could give Oshawa’s beaches international recognition for cleanliness, stewardship and possibly improve their draw for tourists.

“Once you’re internationally recognized, people from around the world will come to your beach because they know it’s clean and safe and free of bacteria,” England says.

The certification is done by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with subsidiaries across the globe.

The stringent criteria for awarding a blue flag include high standards for water quality, safety, environmental education and information and provisions for service among many others.

England says this should become a priority as the city looks to improve its waterfront locations.

The application for certification costs approximately $500, but added costs could follow if the city were to look into making the necessary improvements or additions to testing measures to meet the criteria.

According to England, she will be bringing her motion to the next meeting of the Corporate Services committee on Sept. 14.